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Restorative Whiplash Treatment with Neurosomatic Therapy

Whiplash is most commonly associated with rear end auto accidents. However, the same type of injury to the neck can occur from a fall, being hit or shaken, sports injury or even amusement park rides.

Whiplash is a traumatic injury sustained when the head is snapped forward and back or side to side.

Soft tissue injury is the most common outcome of whiplash.

Neurosomatic Therapy addresses the resulting muscular spasm and postural distortion that is the root cause of prolonged pain.

In most cases it is more important to treat the muscles on the front side of the cervical spine.

Intervertebral disc herniation and nerve root compression can be avoided with proper treatment of the soft tissues of the neck.

Symptoms of Whiplash

Symptoms from whiplash injury can be appear immediately but, in most cases, occur 2-3 days after an accident. We have also noted many cases of whiplash induced hypothyroidism. In these cases, trigger points and postural distortions that resulted from trauma to the muscles caused a decrease in the function of the thyroid. In severe and chronic cases, these symptoms are considered whiplash associated disorder and can also include symptoms such as depression, anger, frustration, anxiety, stress, drug dependency, post-traumatic stress syndrome and social isolation. After treatment with Neurosomatic Therapy, hypothyroid symptoms such as poor muscle tone, fatigue, depression and weight gain were alleviated. Patient may have the following symptoms:

Causes of Whiplash

Whiplash is generally considered a soft tissue injury sustained when forces are directed into the cervical spine that cause extreme movements of the neck in one direction and then in the opposite direction rapidly. In more severe cases, spinal fractures are possible. People are most familiar with the forward and backward movement associated with whiplash but the same principals apply to side-to-side movements that would be caused in a side impact auto accident as well. Uncorrected imbalances caused by whiplash can produce prolonged, even chronic, dysfunction of the cervical spine. We have seen excellent recovery from whiplash accidents with proper assessment and treatment through Neurosomatic Therapy.

Traditional Treatment for Whiplash

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, treatment for whiplash may include pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and a cervical collar (usually worn for 2 to 3 weeks). Range of motion exercises, physical therapy, and cervical traction may also be prescribed. Supplemental heat application may relieve muscle tension. As in any significant traumatic injury, thorough assessment for fractures or other structural damage should be made by a physician.

Restore Alignment to Treat Whiplash

Our clinical experience indicates that the root cause of prolonged symptoms of whiplash remains unaddressed by the treatments mentioned above. Since much of the pain associated with whiplash occurs in the posterior neck and upper back, a great deal of treatment is focused on these areas. However, a substantial amount of trauma is sustained in the front of the cervical spine in this situation. When the head is snapped back in a typical whiplash injury, the longus colli, longus capitis, sternocleidomastiod, scalenes, and anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine undergo a strain that can range from a mild sprain to a full tear of these tissues. Because of the relative inaccessibility of these tissues, they typically go untreated.

Treatment protocols unique to Neurosomatic Therapy take these very important muscles into account when dealing with whiplash pain. The most important muscles in the neck are the longus colli and longus capitis. Injury to these muscles, located deep in the front of the neck, can result in muscle spasm that contributes to loss of the natural curve of the cervical spine resulting in a straight or “military” neck or even a reverse curve of this region of the spine. The subsequent pressures on the structures of the spine can result in herniated discs that compress the spinal cord and nerve roots. Often, pain that is felt on the back side of the neck and in the head originates in the longus colli and the longus capitis. The ability to measure imbalances in these muscles and specifically treat them is a key facet of Neurosomatic Therapy’s ability to treat whiplash injury quickly and effectively. Once the spasm in the front of the cervical spine is relieved proper alignment can be restored, relieving pain that could otherwise become chronic.

Call Today to Schedule Your Initial Evaluation

Call (727) 347-HEAL (4325) to let one of our expert therapists answer any questions you may have regarding whiplash or, contact us with additional questions you may have.

'I left kind of walking on air after a minor treatment. Then, within two more treatments, the pain that I had been complaining about was not there... A very exciting thing for me was that I was able to stand for an hour in the kitchen and cook. I had not been able to stand for more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time in years!'